You probably heard, at some point, claims like: "Piece of entertainment X" is unique or there's nothing quite like it, well i'm here to tell you that Sharin no Kuni is exactly that. There are other VN's that manage to illustrate the inherent weakness of human beings, and that good and evil are just consequences of your own circumstances, but none of them explores the subject like Sharin no Kuni. Read this VN if you are interested in characters who are true to life, make mistakes, regret them, but still have trouble moving forward, even when they understand the best course of action.
Positive:
- Great characters - This is THE reason to read Sharin no Kuni. What you have here are people who can do terrible things, under pressure, or perform great feats for the ones they love. It's the perfect demonstration of how subjective right and wrong are, staying away from the usual archetypes you see in the medium. You can be selfish, and selfless; Weak and strong; Apathetic and driven. All it takes is the right moment, leading circumstances, and following mindset. Sharin no Kuni understands this.
- Alternative contemporary setting - Without spoilers, Sharin no Kuni exists as social commentary, and was clever enough to adress themes that work no matter where you were born. The main ideas are how to punish (and then rehabilitate) someone who has caused "society" some damage, and determine the value/rights of such individuals, but this is the tip of the iceberg. Sharin no Kuni is very similar to a useful (if limited by its entertainment purpose) thought experiment, that can teach you something.
- The high points (great moments) are very powerful - All routes have some event(s), that is bound to "knock your socks off". Basically, this is a VN that doesn't forget its main goal (entertaining), and slowly builds-up your expectations, to then deliver a notable payout. When it gets good, it gets really good.
- More things - Like the protagonist, good writing, the surreal style of comedy, the best friend, the mystery aspect of the plot, the "big bad villain", the OST, and so on.
Negative:
- Some possible mentions, like below average romance, unsteady pacing, the release date (technical side), structure being obtuse... My main criticism is that Sharin no Kuni has some incredible highpoints, that rival what you see in the highest rated VN's, but they are nowhere near the rule. There are many boring segments (in particular flashbacks, long scenes that test your patience), and narrative decisions which are clearly used to delay (in annoying fashion) the expected twist/reveal. It never gets bad, but it can be trying, and prevented masterpiece status for me.
Score: Sharin no Kuni is an 8/10 and a great VN. This is another title that is unable to reach the "summit", and become a personal reference, but it was close to it. Don't let that discourage you though, Sharin no Kuni has positives that are close to unmatched in this medium, and that is not something every VN can boast. Highly recommended on characters and setting alone.
(There's barely any H-scenes, and it's a 30 hour VN, don't bother with them. If you absolutely need some 18+ check the fandisk - it's also here - after you finish the original. I would also recommend reading the main route of the fandisc.)
Positive:
- Great characters - This is THE reason to read Sharin no Kuni. What you have here are people who can do terrible things, under pressure, or perform great feats for the ones they love. It's the perfect demonstration of how subjective right and wrong are, staying away from the usual archetypes you see in the medium. You can be selfish, and selfless; Weak and strong; Apathetic and driven. All it takes is the right moment, leading circumstances, and following mindset. Sharin no Kuni understands this.
- Alternative contemporary setting - Without spoilers, Sharin no Kuni exists as social commentary, and was clever enough to adress themes that work no matter where you were born. The main ideas are how to punish (and then rehabilitate) someone who has caused "society" some damage, and determine the value/rights of such individuals, but this is the tip of the iceberg. Sharin no Kuni is very similar to a useful (if limited by its entertainment purpose) thought experiment, that can teach you something.
- The high points (great moments) are very powerful - All routes have some event(s), that is bound to "knock your socks off". Basically, this is a VN that doesn't forget its main goal (entertaining), and slowly builds-up your expectations, to then deliver a notable payout. When it gets good, it gets really good.
- More things - Like the protagonist, good writing, the surreal style of comedy, the best friend, the mystery aspect of the plot, the "big bad villain", the OST, and so on.
Negative:
- Some possible mentions, like below average romance, unsteady pacing, the release date (technical side), structure being obtuse... My main criticism is that Sharin no Kuni has some incredible highpoints, that rival what you see in the highest rated VN's, but they are nowhere near the rule. There are many boring segments (in particular flashbacks, long scenes that test your patience), and narrative decisions which are clearly used to delay (in annoying fashion) the expected twist/reveal. It never gets bad, but it can be trying, and prevented masterpiece status for me.
Score: Sharin no Kuni is an 8/10 and a great VN. This is another title that is unable to reach the "summit", and become a personal reference, but it was close to it. Don't let that discourage you though, Sharin no Kuni has positives that are close to unmatched in this medium, and that is not something every VN can boast. Highly recommended on characters and setting alone.
(There's barely any H-scenes, and it's a 30 hour VN, don't bother with them. If you absolutely need some 18+ check the fandisk - it's also here - after you finish the original. I would also recommend reading the main route of the fandisc.)